Bale's Wales odds-on to reach World Cup finals as Italy suffer shock defeat

Gareth Bale's brilliant brace helped Wales to a 2-1 playoff semi-final win over Austria and Rob Page's side are 8-11 to reach their first World Cup finals since 1958.

Wales are due to play the winners of the semi-final between Scotland and Ukraine although that fixture has been postponed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

While Welsh supporters dream of a place in November's finals in Qatar, Italy fans are coming to terms with their team's failure to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup.

The European champions were no bigger than 2-11 to beat playoff opponents North Macedonia in 90 minutes in Palermo but a stunning injury-time goal from Aleksandar Trajkovski gave the 18-1 underdogs a 1-0 win.

Italy had been as short as 15-2 to follow up their Euro 2020 triumph by lifting the 2022 World Cup but now they will watch on as North Macedonia face Portugal in the Path C final.

The Portuguese saw off Turkey 3-1 and are 2-9 to beat the 14-1 giantkillers in normal times of Tuesday's final in Porto while Poland face Sweden in the Path B final in Chorzow.

Hills make the Poles 4-6 to qualify for the World Cup at the expense of the 11-10 Swedes, who booked their place in the final thanks to a 110th-minute goal from Robin Quaison against the Czech Republic on Thursday.

Wales are 200-1 to go on and win the World Cup but the market is headed by 11-2 Brazil, 6-1 France and 13-2 England. Portugal, who had been expecting a playoff final against Italy, are 16-1 to be crowned world champions.

Not got a bet365 account? Bet £10 & get £50 in free bets

Open account offer. Minimum deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as bet credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude bet credits stake. Time limits/T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

MORE FREE BETS

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport